Dem’s the breaks: Odemwingie travelled to Anfield but was not in WBA’s match-day squad (Picture: PA)

West Brom duo Gareth McAuley and Ben Foster insist Peter Odemwingie’s transfer-window controversy is no longer an issue at the club and claim they are relishing his return to the starting XI.

Odemwingie ruffled Albion’s feathers by turning up at QPR on deadline day without his club’s permission in a vain bid to force a move through.

The Nigerian striker also criticised the Baggies and their fans in a series of Twitter rants in the days leading up to his ill-judged drive to Loftus Road.

Odemwingie has since apologised for his actions and been fined two weeks’ wages. He was left out of the squad for the 2-0 win over Liverpool on Monday – although he did travel to Anfield with his team-mates.

And McAuley, who scored the first goal against the Reds, is adamant Odemwingie has now been accepted back into the fold.

The Northern Ireland central defender said: ‘It’s fine. The lads realise that if Pete is on the pitch, playing well and scoring goals, everyone benefits from it.

‘That’s how we’re looking at it. Everything is fine now. The line has been drawn and now we’re back talking about football.

‘When we’re out there together and everyone is pulling together we’re a good side. We need Pete back on the pitch, playing and scoring goals for us.’

After Monday’s result, Baggies boss Steve Clarke insisted Odemwingie, who scored 11 goals last season and has five to date this term, has a future at the Hawthorns.

And, like McAuley, goalkeeper Foster wants to see the 31-year-old back playing for West Brom, who next host Sunderland on Saturday week.

He said: ‘Peter is an important part of our team. When he’s on form he’s an absolute world-beater, so we will welcome him back into the squad with no qualms whatsoever.’